The Law of Club and Fang

Someday I will be able to write like this.

He must master or be mastered; while to show mercy was a weakness. Mercy did not exist in the primordial life. It was misunderstood for fear, and such misunderstandings made for death. Kill or be killed, eat or be eaten, was the law; and this mandate, down out of the depths of Time, he obeyed.
He was older than the days he had seen and the breaths he had drawn. He linked the past with the present, and the eternity behind him throbbed through him in a mighty rhythm to which he swayed as the tides and seasons swayed. He sat by John Thornton's fire, a broad-breasted dog, white-fanged and long-furred; but behind him were the shades of all manner of dogs, half wolves and wild wolves, urgent and prompting, tasting the savor of the meat he ate, thirsting for the water he drank, scenting the wind with him, listening with him and telling him the sounds made by the wild life in the forest; dictating his moods, directing his actions, lying down to sleep with him when he lay down, and dreaming with him and beyond him and becoming themselves the stuff of his dreams.
So peremptorily did these shades beckon him, that each day mankind and the claims of mankind slipped farther from him. Deep in the forest a call was sounding, and as often as he heard this call, mysteriously thrilling and luring, he felt compelled to turn his back upon the fire and the beaten earth around it, and to plunge into the forest, and on and on, he knew not where or why; nor did he wonder where or why, the call sounding imperiously, deep in the forest. But as often as he gained the soft unbroken earth and the green shade, the love for John Thornton drew him back to the fire again.

--Call of The Wild, Chapter 6

Hugo: Color Coded for Your Convenience.

I watched Hugo the other day!! It was cute, fun, creepy, imaginative, and visually brilliant.

I think my favorite part about this movie was the colors. Each color represented a certain mood, character, or idea.

Orange: The 'outside' world and strangeness.

Blue: Hugo's world and loneliness.

Yellow, Red, and Purple: Love

Dark Reds and Purples: Mystery

Green: 'Fixed' or Working things.

The movie starts out with just orange and blue with very distinct differences. This showed just how detached Hugo was from the outside world. After a while, new colors (along with the characters) are involved and the orange and blue start to blend together.

By the end of the movie, the colors have blended and stabilized perfectly.

Rainy Days With the 4th Doctor

Ah yes. Doctor Who. This show has been on my list of things to watch. For a while now.

IT HAS BEEN DRIVING ME CRAZY!!

It has been really rainy and cold today and it occurred to me (not for the first time) that I should get the 4th Doctors scarf... I did a google search and found lot of cool pics along with various patterns for creating one yourself.

Despite the patterns being pretty straightforward, the actual task of knitting such a masterpiece is quite daunting...

http://androgums.org/scarf.html

I'm flirting with the idea of taking up knitting (again) and launching into a full on Doctor Who scarf-making marathon. Am I up for the challenge? I'm not sure. My biggest fear is it getting ruined somehow halfway through... That would be awful.

George Takei Dance

You ready for one of the biggest doses of epicosity you may ever absorb in one lifetime?

Here you go.
George Takei. Dancing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSjO-rWMuJo

....I think my just brain exploded. O____O

On the Subject of Marriage and Relationships

First off, I want to say that I started this from the viewpoints of a woman with a male domestic partner in mind. By the end though, I had pretty much thrown out gender specifics and just stuck to the core dynamics of marriage. I like it better this way, but I decided to not bother with changing the first half.

Second off, I just want to say that I do not identify as a feminist. I identify as having a pan viewpoint. I believe that to achieve equality, one has to support all genders and viewpoints. I may agree with many feminist viewpoints, and I agree that to promote equality, one must add some weight to one side of the scale, but that being said, wouldn't it be better to dismiss the scale completely? Just ignore it all and let the pieces fall where they may?
Maybe. The only problem is that our society is based on rules and segregations. One would have to remove oneself from society's standards to uphold this viewpoint, which would mean acknowledging that society is a segregation in itself, which would put us in another little box.
Here's my take on the world: Everything is what you make of it. It can be whatever you want. I choose to live in a world that honors other people's viewpoints and still holds a place for my own. I choose to live in a world that allows and supports different people. Different ideas. Different ways of being. I choose to let these differences define us, separate us, and yet ultimately drive us closer together.

I also choose to live in a world were I can rant all I want on my own blog.
And that's what I'm gonna do right now.

[WARNING: Ranting ahead!]

*Ahem.*

Over the years, women in our society have been offended at being portrayed as housewives. TV shows such as 'I Dream of Jeannie' come quickly to mind as an example of how this portrayal was often showed in the media.
Now, after a large feminist movement, women are expected by many to hold jobs previously held by men as well as take care of her household in order to be seen as strong individuals by society.
Many women are pleased by this change, but perhaps just as many are rather peeved.
"Now we have to hold jobs as well as do housework!" My Mother proclaimed last week as we discussed the subject. She also mentioned that it might work if men were capable of taking care of a household in the first place.

In response to the WHOLE issue about roles (although not necessarily gender roles) in marriage, I have a few points to make.

1. Many men are capable of taking care of households. Granted, most of them don't choose to be, and some of them just aren't, but MANY are.

2. A healthy relationship is built off of understanding and respect. Before you enter a serious relationship, you must first understand what you are actually capable of. Can't hold the role of both the housekeeper and breadwinner of a family? Choose one or the other. Then be sure that if/when you enter a serious relationship, your partner can and wants to uphold a compatible role.
For example: You want a family. You don't want to work and raise kids. Let's just say you choose to be the one to raise kids. YOU MUST MAKE SURE THAT PARTNER CAN EARN ENOUGH MONEY TO SUPPORT SAID KIDS.
Failure to do so will rest squarely on your shoulders, as well as on your partner's. (Note! both partners can raise kids, but in this example, let's assume that only wants to.)

I cannot count the many times I've heard a wife complain about her husband. "He never changes the baby!" "He doesn't do the dishes!" "He's always caught up in his work!" Or, my favorite: "He doesn't respect me!"
I understand that it often helps people to vent about things, and that talking about one's issues out loud can actually help in problem solving. My problem is when people DON'T solve their issues and instead use their venting to complain and shift blame.
Each time this happens, I have to bite back a scream of exasperation and anger. Today, I will relinquish my my hold on this scream and bare it to the world.

Your job as a family raiser is to be sure that you and your partner are able to effectively and happily carry out your predetermined roles in the family. (predetermined not by society, but by both of you when you embarked upon this relationship in the first place.) Your roles may change later on, but you and your partner must ALWAYS be on the same page.
To all you complaining people out there: YOU chose this person. YOU chose this relationship. YOU decided to take up your role. IF you need to change said role, DISCUSS it with your partner. They should listen, and it should work. IF IT DOESN'T? You made an awful choice when choosing a partner.
PLEASE. Stop ranting about your marital issues in front of 15 year olds who are trying to work. It's not that I mind listening to you and helping you, it's just that it gets REALLY frustrating to me when you keep coming to the same relationship block and do NOTHING about it.
Shut up. START FIXING YOUR RELATIONSHIP.

[Rant is officially over.]

NOTE: When I read this to my Mom, she instantly thought my rant applied to her. That is NOT the case.
I wrote this no one particular in mind.
If you think that this applies to you, then GOOD. Not only have I got this whole rant off my chest, I've also given you something to think about.


....SIGH. Wow.
That was a relief. You have no idea just how exasperating and positively mind-blowing it is to realize that most people around me (especially the adults!) just don't take this kind of thing into consideration. They start relationships, breed, find themselves stuck in a marriage, and THEN start doing research about the other person. Simply astonishing. =^.~

...JEEZ, that's a HUGE CRAPPIN post!! O__O
I am amazed that you made it this far!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!
<3 <3

Too Much Watchmen

Reading more Watchmen.
So sad. brilliant. sad. awful. interesting perspective. Can't decide if it makes me feel better or worse. either way, it certainly helps remove the purple prose of my writing. Also having trouble not alternating caps randomly. will regain writing style soon enough. Don't you worry. XD
trying to do schoolwork now. seems like gibberish. shouldn't read too much Watchmen. hurts brain.
i know! i should read more Doctor Mc Ninja. Go back through the archives. Ninja mask reminds me of Rorschach, but they're so different. Maybe shed a better light on my world. =)

My House

The house is strange when it's empty. Not only is it weirdly quiet, I keep finding myself keeping music at a minimum, staying away from the house computer that would be playing spongebob, and hiding in the bathroom.

Then realization hits: I can do almost anything I want. I can blast Iron Maiden, watch the Animatrix, read manga, tease the cat, make a huge pillow fort that only I can occupy...
Then reality hits: I have to do my schoolwork.
Shazam.
Well, I'll just have to finish early.

The Prophet In Me Has Spoken!!

Ahem.

Age- the passage of time and how it relates to one's body
Maturity- the development of one's mind
Wisdom- the development of one's spirit

One can hope, but not expect to gather maturity and wisdom with age. One can both hope and expect to gather maturity with wisdom.

Elderliness, as well as youth, based on age is a facade. The expectation that one has earned the right to be 'old' because one has achieved advanced age is a misconception. We are all well aged compared to the housefly, and yet we think to harbor no wisdom. I say this: harbor the wisdom and grow the maturity that you need. Keep on harboring and growing until you achieve age, and even then, don't stop. One never knows where one's road will really end, regardless of time.

Ha! Haha! Bwahahahahahaha.......
... And as you can see, it's gone back into it's little prophetty-cave again. XD

Northern Lights

Hey all! I had to write a fictitious account of seeing the northern lights for school today, and I liked it so much, I thought I'd share it!
Enjoy! =^^=

PS! I have never been to Canada, I have never seen snow, and I have most certainty never personally seen the northern lights. All I had to go on were pictures, but feel free to correct me on any mistakes you might find!

March 13, 2012
The sun's warmth is now slipping away behind the hills, leaving only chill and unease as I shift my feet. Despite the cold, this is my favorite time in the span of 24 hours. The dawn is elated but over so soon. The day is urging, but often too oppressive. The night is wild, and it calls out like emotions in us all, often creating danger in it's wake. The twilight, on the other hand, is a mix of all. It contains the sweetness of the dawn, the compelling nature of the day, and the freedom of the night. To top this all, in the north we have the Aurora Lights. It is this wonder that I seek to witness in this still twilight.

I glance up into the sky, waiting for the miracle that I have heard about for so long. I have only just moved to the Yukon, and this will be my first time seeing the northern lights up close.

As I wait, a snap is heard. I spin around, clutching my walking stick. Jarvis, my huge German shepherd gives a low growl, warning any dangers that the coming night may harbor to stay away; Or else. It turns out to be an deer out on a nightly graze, and it turns and fades back behind the tree line leaving silence once more. Jarvis relaxes, and we go back to waiting.

Just when I thought that maybe I should just go back inside, my eyes catch something creeping across the sky. I focus on it, and the air is flooded by many colors. Vibrant green, energetic red, soft pinks and whites saturate the night around me, and all I can do is watch. These colors shift and spiral, dancing in the wake of day, relishing in the verge of night. Then, as soon as they came, they seem to blend back into the darkness, leaving only the stars to speak of their passing glory.

Jarvis and I stand in the chill, staring up into the space that was previously occupied by a strange and wondrous celebration of life. Although it was his first time seeing such things, he recovers more quickly then I, and turns to guide me back to the house.

Now lying under warm blankets, with my dog sleeping on my feet, I write of my latest glimpse into another world. Although I've seen countless pictures and read many re-tellings, somehow this gift of winter devastated all expectations of what the northern lights would be like. Even this journal entry seems like a still photograph, just a piece of time shot from one perspective, of the true brilliance that I beheld today.

Harmless

My Mom found this sticking out from under the refrigerator. Seems legit. It's not like sea-serpents would hatch once the contents settled to the bottom, confirming my long-time suspicion that they breed in there.... Ahem. Not at all.

Astrology from a Practical Point of View

Hey all! I have noticed from watching my stats that the post I made about an astrological chart I made ages ago (check it out here!) has been getting quite a few hits due to keywords having to with with astrology and compatibilities. So I decided to treat everyone with a better chart I drew up and boost my views at the same time. =^.~

Here tiz! =D

I will now give you a semi-brief overview on how to use this chart. First off, you have...
Elements
Signs usually get along well with other signs of the same element. Looking at the chart, you will see that the lines connecting signs of like elements will form a triangle. Individuals born under signs of the same element will tend to see eye-to-eye with each other, and usually form strong bonds.

Fire: Power & Creativity

  Aries

  Leo

  Sagittarius

Earth: Stability & Resoluteness

  Taurus

  Virgo

  Capricorn

Air: Freedom & Intellect

  Gemini

  Libra

  Aquarius

Water: Change & Emotion

  Cancer

  Scorpio

  Pisces

Personality and Method

Each sign has a method of actions as well as a personality attached to it.

Aries- Powerful and assertive. Wants and accomplishes.

Taurus- Stable and stubborn. Grounds and protects.

Gemini- Dual, shifting, and imaginative. Blends and changes itself.

Cancer- Tenacious, organized, and critical. Feels and reacts.

Leo- Creative and egocentric. Creates and empowers.

Virgo- Observant and detail-orientated. Organizes and improves.

Libra- Balanced and diplomatic. Understands and harmonizes.

Scorpio- Sensitive and intense. Feels and expresses.

Sagittarius- Striving and seeking. Knows and Directs.

Capricorn- Ambitious and practical. Builds and asserts.

Aquarius- Logical and unconventional. Sees and progresses.

Pisces- Caring and emotional. Feels and aligns.

Teamwork

Each sign is fine on it's own. It can work by itself and generally manage things well. However, it helps if it has another sign to balance it out. Two minds are better then one.

For example, Leo is creative and can be self-absorbed. Leo also consolidates and then shapes energy, ideas, facts, etc. This is great, but it also needs some direction. Enter Sagittarius. (Note. Aries works quite well with Leo too. This is just an example.)

To see how signs relate to each other, think of sign compatibility less like 'Leo and Sagittarius are compatible' and more like 'Leo consolidates. Sagittarius directs. Leo needs Sagittarius to direct excess energy. Sagittarius needs Leo as a source of energy.'

When you think of it this way, astrological signs widen from romantic compatibilities to team-building and harmonizing.

As an example of signs that usually don't work, take Sagittarius and Cancer. Cancer feels and fixes. Sagittarius directs. Cancer may cling to and attempt to better Sagittarius. Sagittarius may walk away from Cancer or attempt to steer it. If the relationship is handled wisely, it may work out. For example, it might work if Cancer understands that Sagittarius needs free-reign and helps mend and heal when needed, and if Sagittarius understands that Cancer is just trying to help and  tries to include Cancer in it's life.

Now that we're breaking away from romantic compatibilities and moving on to teamwork, one can start to create teams based off of various signs. For example, in D&D, there are adventuring parties made up of characters. There are also alignments, classes, and races belonging to and defining each character. When building an adventuring group, it is best to think up and compare characters before actually rolling them up. For example, if you're really role-playing, one should generally keep Good and Evil characters apart. The same also goes for Lawful and Chaotic characters.

If you play D&D or a like-game, try to apply an astrological sign to each character. Then examine how they interact. Make some notes then refer to the charts and lists I provided. The results should prove interesting.

This method also works for character creation in books and such as well as games and real-life teams.

-Rahel Sewell 

----------------------------

PS!! If you made it this far, I applaud you! I had quite a bit of fun writing this. =^^=

As a reward, you get....

A picture of a guy hugging a GIANT D20. (Hey, if you found one of these, you do the SAME thing.)

A picture of a Kuanyin statue (open in a new tab to fully appreciate her splendor!)

A rockin old lady (this is who I aim to be when I get old.)

And a guide to trustworthiness and how it relates to beards.

Why did I bestow these upon you, you may well ask? Good question. My answer is partly 'because I need something to break the seriousness', but mostly 'because you guys rock!!!' =}

(NOTE! I own no copyrights of these pictures. They are just here for your viewing satisfaction. <3)

Mulch-A-Da-Mulchy-Mulch

As I walked to class with my hands in my pockets in school today, I realized that said pockets contained quite a bit of mulch. To correct this, I dug out the little pieces and tossed them aside into the plants as I walked. My headmaster saw this and asked what I was doing, a look of bewildered amusement showing upon her face.
"I can explain!! I swear!" I shouted, frantically waving my hands in front of me.
My headmaster raised an eye brow.
"Okay." I started. "My jacket wasn't all that clean today."
She nodded sympathetically.
"So I tossed it in the drier with a drier sheet."
She commented that she'd done that before.
"But then it smelled like drier sheets!"
Another eyebrow.
"So I went out side, threw it in the dirt, and sat on it." I then explained that it was to replace the artificial flowery sent with nice earthen, hobbity, mulch-sent.
Que the facepalm. She then said something along the lines of "RAHEL...." to which I proclaimed that I harbored no regrets.
And I still don't. Mulch is awesome. >=]

My Stick Figure Comic!!

For my 100th post, I present to you.....
My first Sick-Figure Comic!! It doesn't have very much in the way of plot, but I just wanted to test my stick-figure-making abilities! =}
You're gonna want to open this picture in a new tab or something. The text is tiiny!

Although this is shamelessly inspired by The Order of the Stick, the characters are all mine.
If you haven't read The Order of the Stick already, go here! =D
http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots.html

Pizza dude

Saddening: That moment you realize that Napoleon Dynamite is NOT standing on your doorstep, and that you are instead staring creepily at the pizza guy.

....In my defense, he really looked like him!!

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

I saw this and just had to share!!

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=34x6m-ahGIo
Found it here!! <3
http://singleedgestudios.blogspot.com/2012/02/mahandas-ghandi-werewolf-puncher_28.html

Happiness and Melodrama

It turns out that two people did notice that I've been depressed without me telling them!
Cooper McHatton, my Aratoamin, read my post and told me today that he did notice and that he cared. Just a couple hours ago, my Dad regarded me thoughtfully as I sat on my computer (with a goofy, Rahelish!smile on my face) and commented that I looked happier then I had in several weeks. I told him that I had been fighting depression for a while and he actually seemed surprised! Then he said that he was glad that I was happy.

All in all, it has been a great day. =)